President Donald Trump on Saturday evening formally endorsed Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman in the race for New York governor.
The endorsement came one day after Rep. Elise Stefanik announced she was exiting the race and would not seek reelection to Congress.
Trump shared the endorsement in a post on Truth Social. He did not reference Stefanik in the message.
Trump Backs Blakeman After Stefanik Exit
“Bruce is MAGA all the way, and has been with me from the very beginning,” Trump wrote.
He praised Blakeman’s work alongside law enforcement and border officials.
Trump also predicted electoral success for the Nassau County executive.
“Bruce Blakeman is a FANTASTIC guy, will win the big November Election and, without hesitation, has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Governor of the ONCE GREAT STATE OF NEW YORK (IT CAN BE GREAT AGAIN!). BRUCE BLAKEMAN WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” he added.
Trump had previously stayed neutral in the New York governor’s race.
Earlier this month, he told reporters that “they’re both great people” when asked about the GOP primary.
At the time, Blakeman had not officially entered the race.
Stefanik Steps Aside
Stefanik announced Friday afternoon that she would not continue her campaign.
She said the decision followed discussions with her family.
Stefanik described motherhood as the most important role in her life.
She also said continuing in the race would not have been “an effective use of our time or your generous resources.”
Stefanik cited the challenges of running a prolonged Republican primary in New York.
She has long been considered a close ally of Trump.
Earlier this year, she was nominated to serve as the Trump administration’s representative to the United Nations.
That nomination was later withdrawn.
Republicans grew concerned about their narrow House majority.
Party leaders feared losing Stefanik’s vote during a critical campaign period.
Democratic Response and Political Fallout
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who is seeking reelection, quickly responded to Trump’s endorsement.
Her campaign criticized Blakeman’s alignment with Trump.
“Donald Trump endorsed Bruce Blakeman for one reason: he’ll put Trump first, New York last, and leave families to foot the bill,” said Hochul spokeswoman Sarafina Chitika.
She also referenced Stefanik’s failed bid.
“Blakeman should have learned a lesson from Elise Stefanik: MAGA sellouts don’t win New York, and they sure as hell don’t end up in the governor’s mansion,” Chitika added.
Earlier Tensions Over NYC Mayor
Trump drew attention in November during a meeting with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
The meeting took place in the Oval Office.
Mamdani had just been elected mayor.
Trump praised Mamdani repeatedly during the appearance.
The remarks surprised many Republicans.
Stefanik had previously described Mamdani as a danger to New York.
She had also labeled him a symbol of a far-left Democratic Party.
During the press event, a reporter referenced Stefanik’s claim that Mamdani was a “jihadist.”
The reporter asked Trump whether he believed he was sitting next to one in the Oval Office.
“No, I don’t,” Trump replied.
He described Mamdani as “a very rational person.”
Trump deflected questions about Stefanik’s comments.
Hochul later said Trump had “nuked the entire premise of Stefanik’s campaign.”
Polling Outlook
A Siena College poll released this week showed Hochul leading Stefanik by 19 points in a hypothetical matchup.
The same poll showed Hochul holding a 25-point lead over Blakeman.
